Rep. Paul Cook, R-Yucca Valley, almost found himself facing tea party favorite Tim Donnelly on Nov. 8 in his bid for a third term representing California’s 8th Congressional District.

But in a close June 7 primary, Democrat Rita Ramirez ended up beating Donnelly by 1,439 votes.

Cook, who served in the Assembly prior to being elected to Congress, has raised $830,697 for his reelection campaign as of June 30, according to the Federal Election Commission, and had $598,839 on hand.

Cook is a retired Marine Corps colonel, and Ramirez is a retired college instructor.

Ramirez, who attempted a run in the 31st District back in 2012, raised $17,373 during the same period and had $667 on hand.

The 8th District stretches along much of California’s eastern border, and includes parts of San Bernardino, Inyo and Mono counties. The district includes the communities of Apple Valley, Baker, Barstow, Hesperia, Mammoth Lakes, Needles, Trona and Victorville.

Name: Paul Cook

Age: 73

Resides: Yucca Valley

Party: Republican

Family: Wife, Jeanne, and two grown children

Occupation: Congressman

Education: Bachelors degree from Southern Connecticut University, master’s degree in Public Administration from Cal State San Bernardino, master’s degree in Political Science from UC Riverside

Interesting Fact: I’m an avid history buff and enjoy watching the History Channel and reading historical books in my free time. I’ve also visited many battlefields across the country and enjoy quizzing my staff and family on American history.

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